Anderton Boat Lift & Llangollen Steam Railway

We spend some time at the pretty shopping destination of Blakemere Village, set in the heart of Cheshire. It features a unique collection of independent boutiques gathered around a quaint courtyard, a popular craft workshop and plenty of tempting food and drink outlets.

Afterwards, we make our way to Anderton, where we step aboard the Edwin Clark boat, named after the engineer who designed and constructed the impressive Anderton Boat Lift and enjoy an hour-long river cruise with commentary. Whilst we cannot currently see the lift in action, we experience a unique perspective of the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’ as we are transported from the base of the lift along the Weaver Navigation.

Anderton Boat Lift & Llangollen Steam Railway

We head to picturesque Llangollen, located on the banks of the River Dee and surrounded by rolling Welsh hills. First we climb aboard one of the vintage carriages at the town’s heritage Steam Railway, operated by volunteers, and watch the ever-changing scenery unfold on a spectacular journey through the Dee Valley. This afternoon we rejoin the coach for our journey home.

Please note: The Llangollen Steam Railway may not always be steam-powered; it could be diesel or electric.

Ride a heritage train on the Llangollen Steam Railway, tracing the River Dee through the Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Settle into vintage carriages as wooded hills, stone farmsteads, and fast-flowing water slip by the windows, capturing the romance of classic rail travel in North Wales.

Learn how this volunteer-run railway preserves the character of Victorian-era journeys, from polished woodwork to station flowerbeds. On some operating days services may use a heritage diesel or electric locomotive, yet the scenery and sense of bygone travel remain the star of the experience.

Explore Blakemere Village, a friendly Cheshire hub of independent boutiques and craft studios gathered around a characterful courtyard. Browse handmade homeware, artisan gifts, and local delicacies, or pause in one of the cafés to soak up the relaxed village feel.

This creative enclave champions local makers and seasonal craftsmanship. Wander the compact lanes at your own pace, chat with stallholders, and discover quality pieces that reflect the region’s character and the easygoing charm of the Cheshire countryside.

Discover Cheshire’s waterways as you board the Edwin Clark for a narrated cruise along the River Weaver Navigation. Drift past reed-fringed banks and historic wharfs for close-up views of the mighty Anderton Boat Lift, long celebrated as the region’s “Cathedral of the Canals”.

Gain insight into how engineer Edwin Clark’s 19th-century innovation linked river and canal to power the Northwich salt trade. Even when the lift is not operating, the river-level vantage reveals its intricate ironwork and imposing scale, offering a rare perspective on Britain’s industrial ingenuity.